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Prefecture of Haute-Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
Photo: Yves LC, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Annecy, in the north of the French Alps, is called "the Venice of Savoie" — a well-deserved title. The medieval town centre built around a 14th-century chateau is dissected by small canals and streams running out of Lac Annecy, which is clean, fresh and a wonderful azure colour. Annecy is the prefecture of the département of Haute-Savoie.
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A former palace turned prison. As the name says, it sits on an island between the canals.
Château d'Annecy
On a hill overlooking the city and the surroundings. The building houses a museum with a varied collection of medieval, nineteenth-century, and contemporary art; traditional local furniture; and natural history.
Musée du Film d’Animation
Small but interesting and free-to-visit museum of animation tying in to the annual festival. Original cels, drawings, storyboards, and stop-motion props, short films to watch, and early animation devices to try hands-on. **Closed until at least 2026**
Cathédrale Saint-Pierre
Erected at the beginning of the 16th century by Jacques Rossel as a chapel for a Franciscan priory. It has many examplars of Baroque art and also features a splendid organ of the 19th century.
Église Saint-Maurice
Built in flamboyant Gothic style in the 15th century. Its paintings date back to the 15th and 16th century.
Basilique de la Visitation
Built it 1909 and houses the tombs of Saint Francis de Sales and Saint Joan of Chantal. And also offers beautiful views from its esplanade.
Basilique Saint-Joseph-des-Fins
Built during the Second World War by the famous architect Dom Bellot.
Église Notre-Dame-de-Liesse
Built in the 19th century.
The best hand-made ice creams in the city, with more than 40 different tastes.
The restaurant in Annecy for cheese specialities: fondue, raclette, etc. They do not have a minimum of 2 for raclette and fondue.
An aparthotel offering studio style apartments for up to 4 people. A fitness room, sauna and private parking are also available.
A clean hostel about a 15-minute walk from the train/bus station and a 5-minute walk to the historic area of town. They also have a large patio and a full kitchen.
A large shopping centre in the middle of town with a wide variety of stores.
By train
Ten TER Rhône-Alpes trains operated by SNCF leave daily for Annecy from the Gare de Part-Dieu in Lyon, leaving around every two hours from 07:00 to 21:00.
By bus
Annecy is a popular day trip from nearby Geneva, Switzerland (bring your passport for the border crossing - although checks are not frequent).
By car
Autoroute A41 runs next to Annecy, and you can easily drive there from, e.g., Geneva, Lyon, Grenoble or Aosta.
Central Annecy is compact and you can get around easily on foot. If you do need to travel longer distances, local buses are operated by SIBRA.
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Annecy · Regional · NCY
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